A TRADE union has accused Ruskin College in Oxford of 'victimisation' of its members and threatened possible strikes.

The University and College Union (UCU) claims three union reps are facing disciplinary investigations, with one of them, Dr Lee Humber, suspended just days after the local branch passed a motion of no confidence in the college's principal.

Ruskin College has previously refused to disclose the official reason for his suspension but insisted the two things were 'entirely unrelated'.

Read our original story - Suspended Ruskin College tutor Dr Lee Humber divides opinion

UCU warned that if the college "did not step back from pursuing unfounded disciplinary action and threatening to sack its members" then it could not rule out strike action.

UCU acting general secretary Paul Cottrell said: "Ruskin College’s response to challenging financial problems and a lack of confidence from the staff should be to address the issues head on, not shoot the messengers.

"Staff and students have made it clear they have no faith in the direction the management is heading."

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The college has been approached for comment.

A rally was held outside the college to call for Dr Humber to be reinstated by the Headington college, this was followed by a counter rally supporting the college's decision.

At the time Ruskin College's Business Development Manager Nicki O'Shea said: "Whilst the College will not be commenting further on specifics, it is important to note that this [Dr Lee Humber's case] is entirely unrelated to the College’s vital trade union work and, together with the welfare and education of all our students, this continues to be a proud priority."